The prisoners

Inside the palace of Groacia:Countless guards filled the court. The King of Groacia sat on a large throne placed in the center. To his right, on another throne-like chair, Merlin was seated. The throne to the king’s left was empty. Lucaris stood beside Merlin. Marina was not present.
Advisors sat in chairs along both sides of the court. In the middle of the hall, Eidrin and Romero stood. Eidrin’s right hand and Romero’s left hand were tied to each other. Their other hands were free but held by guards. Soldiers surrounded them on all sides.
King: Eidrin and Romero of Francia — you broke into our palace and attempted to expose our nation’s secrets to Francia. For your crimes, I cannot simply send you back to your country. I must decide an appropriate punishment. I will consider whether it should be execution or life imprisonment.
Lucaris: Father, I suggest the punishment be execution.
Eidrin: Wait a minute — can you please explain exactly what our crime is? Yes, I admit we broke into the palace; that was wrong. But we entered only to see the princess. We did not try to expose your nation’s secrets to our country. We did it because you declined our marriage proposal.
Merlin: Declining a marriage proposal, huh? Tell me — what qualities does your friend have that make him worthy of my sister?
Eidrin: Qualities? He’s kind, good-hearted, and a born warrior. He could take down any warrior in your nation by himself.
(Romero thought: I never imagined Eidrin would say such good things about me.)
Lucaris: A born warrior? I looked up his details after you sent the proposal. As far as I can tell, he’s a peasant. He comes from a peasants’ family — a peasant like him can’t marry our sister.
Romero’s face fell. It was true — Romero came from a peasant family. Eidrin noticed Romero’s hurt and leaned in to whisper.
Eidrin (whispering): Romero, don’t let their words get to you. Is being a peasant a shame? Peasants have their own greatness. Even kings would starve without peasants. Being born into a peasant family doesn’t make you a peasant — your actions define who you are. From everything I’ve seen, you are a warrior.
Romero looked up at Eidrin with hopeful eyes.
Eidrin: Do you really want this? Are you sure you can fight?
Romero: Yes.
Eidrin: So you’re really trying to disrespect us? I challenge you — we are ready to fight. Send as many fighters as you want.
King: What?
Merlin (smiling): If that is what you want, I grant your wish.
Merlin ordered his soldiers to attack Eidrin and Romero.
Eidrin (whispering): Romero, are you sure you can fight? You were badly wounded yesterday.
Romero: It still hurts, but I’ve healed it. Don’t worry. I can handle them.
Countless warriors rushed into the court.
Eidrin: Now free our hands.
Merlin: No. You must fight like that.
Romero: What! That’s not fair — our hands are tied to each other!
Merlin: Let’s see how far you two can stand against my warriors.
Eidrin: This isn’t fair, but we have no choice. Let’s fight.
Eidrin and Romero fought the warriors that surged toward them. Eidrin’s left hand was free while his right hand was tied to Romero’s left. Romero’s right hand was free, so they worked together smoothly. Eidrin acted as Romero’s left hand while Romero acted as Eidrin’s right. When a warrior rushed Eidrin, he blocked while Romero knocked the man out. Another opponent charged; Eidrin knocked him out. Three attackers came together: Eidrin felled one, Romero the second, and they trapped the third with the chain between them and smashed him into the ground. More warriors poured in.
King: Merlin, what are you doing? Are you making the court into a battlefield?
Merlin: I’m sorry, Father — I didn’t think the fight would turn out so fierce.
Merlin stared at Eidrin and Romero with admiration. The two were knocking out opponents with ease. Suddenly, a warrior lunged and cut the chain binding them. With the chain severed, Eidrin and Romero fought individually. Eidrin was a storm, cleaving everything in his way; Romero was lightning, relying on speed and seeming to enjoy the fight.
By the end, Eidrin and Romero stood victorious — they had defeated nearly a hundred warriors. Everyone in the court looked on in shock.
Lucaris: Big brother, what should we do now? They just defeated a hundred of our soldiers. Should we send more?
Merlin: No.
Lucaris: What!?
Merlin walked toward Eidrin and Romero.
Merlin: Warriors of Francia — I’m impressed by your skill. I would like to challenge you.
Eidrin drew his sword and stepped forward.
Eidrin: If that’s what you want, then come on.
Everyone in the palace watched in dread. They knew Merlin would be no easy match for Eidrin.
Merlin: Not here. I want to fight you in the arena, before many people.
Eidrin: I agree. If I win, free us and allow Romero to marry the princess.
Merlin: Agreed. But if I win, you two will be executed.
Eidrin: Fine. I accept.
Lucaris: But we can’t arrange an arena battle so quickly.
Merlin: I know. The fight will take place three days from now. Until then, you’re imprisoned.
Merlin (to the soldiers): Imprison both of them.
Guards: As you wish, Prince.
Eidrin and Romero were taken to prison.
In Merlin’s room:
Lucaris: Big brother, I don’t think an arena fight is a good idea. You saw how easily they defeated our soldiers.
Merlin: I know, but I won’t give up. I’ll defeat him in the arena.
Lucaris: Why do you suddenly want to fight him alone?
Merlin: He now thinks our army is weak. I must prove we are not. You know I possess Warrior Madness — no one can beat me.
Lucaris: Very well. Do as you wish.
In prison:
Romero: Eidrin, what will we do now?
Eidrin: Nothing. Wait for the arena. I’ll defeat him — we’ll be free.
Romero: Okay. But what if Alexander learns we’re imprisoned? He’ll come and destroy this nation.
Eidrin: No. Alexander doesn’t act without thinking. He’ll be patient. But if something happens to us here, he will surely retaliate.
Suddenly, Marina arrived.
Marina: Hey — are you guys okay? I’m so sorry. It’s because of me you were imprisoned in.
Romero: No need to apologize. It’s our mistake that landed us here.
Marina: I’ll tell Father it was me who let you in — maybe he will free you.
Eidrin: Don’t. That might make things worse for your reputation. We’re fine. We can find a way to escape ourselves. Thank you for your kindness.
Marina: Oh… okay. I can’t stay long. If Father finds me here, he’ll be furious.
Romero: Okay. See you. Don’t worry about us.
Marina: Okay.
In palace of Francia:
Alexander stood on his balcony. Alexia joined him.
Alexia: Big brother, what are you doing up here? Everyone’s looking for you.
Alexander: Nothing. I just wanted some peace.
Alexia: You seem troubled.
Alexander: Eidrin and Romero still haven’t returned. They went to Groacia — I’m worried they’ll cause trouble. I hope they’re safe.
Alexia: Don’t worry. You know them better than anyone. They’ll be fine and they’ll return soon.
Alexander: I hope so.
Alexia: Come downstairs now.
Alexander: Okay.
In Groacia:
Merlin trained with his soldiers while Lucaris watched. Merlin knocked out every trainee with confident strikes.
Merlin (confident): Tomorrow, I’ll beat him like this.
Continue.........